Getting To Know… Lillybuds

Lillybuds / Perth /  Website / Email

what is your favourite part of your job - receiving wedding photos from brides, as i only sell online i have little contact with brides, so receiving email and photos is such a lovely surprise to the day.

what are you reading at the moment - as always, wedding magazines and blogs. its so important to keep up with current trends.

what are you lusting after at the moment - i have a new design, a teardrop brooch bouquet, i cant stop looking at it, and may not be able to part with it.

 top 3 songs on playlist - anything by Adele, Amy Winehouse or Eminem

favourite moment of a wedding - the first look.

 who inspires you - what rather than who, fashion, colours, real flowers and wedding dresses.

favourite cocktail -  i don't drink.

what does it take to impress you - manners, creativity, and passion for life.

 best piece of advice you were ever given - to make button bouquets for weddings.

 favourite way to spend sunday - watching movies whilst working.

black tie or casual - definitely casual

new name for hens night - i don't have one.

your favourite hostess gift to give - a button bouquet of course

 what's the best gift you have ever received - my laptop 

3 words that describe you best - dedicated, creative and generous.

Thank you Liza for sharing a little bit about yourself with us today. 

Getting to Know... EmmyRose

EmmyRose | New South Wales | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Creating a design from words and being able to bring someone’s vision to life

What are you reading at the moment?
The Monk, The Farmer, The Merchant

What are you lusting after at the moment?
An oak cabinet I found at a nearby store that needs some love and attention

Top three songs on your play list?
Messages – Xavier Rudd
Dig – Incubus
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Ohh that’s easy I always look at the grooms face, when the bride walks in.

Who inspires you?
Too many to mention, but I do love Frankie, Peppermint and Country Style magazines & blogs

Favourite Cocktail?
I’m a red wine lady.

What does it take to impress you?
Anyone who is genuine, honest and is inspired by what they do.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Keep your eyes open

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
A sleep in, a coffee pot, and a potter in the garden

Black Tie or Casual?
Casual

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’ ?
A ladies do

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Anything from my new garden, so blooms, blossoms or vegies.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A hug when in love

Three words that describe you best.
Visual, sensitive, hopeless romantic

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Emmy. It has been lovely to get to know you a little more!

Getting to Know... A Vintage Affair

A Vintage Affair | South Melbourne VIC | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Wow so many things….. I get to spend my days travelling to quaint little country towns, treasure hunting for beautiful vintage pieces, what could be better than that?  All my clients are embarking on the happiest time of their lives, it is really special to be able to share that time with them.

What are you reading at the moment?
My French Life by Vicki Archer.  Not so much reading but looking at the pictures with envy!

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A gorgeous 1950s cocktail dress on www.lovemissdaisy.com – a UK site that sells amazing vintage frocks.

Top three songs on your play list?
The Hotel Costes series on random shuffle, 
L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole 
and anything by Hall and Oates (sad but true!). 

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The anticipation right before the bride is about to enter. It’s the culmination of all that preparation, it’s that one magic moment in a wedding when it’s all about the bride... the atmosphere is electric!

Who inspires you? 
All the gorgeous artisans I get to work with, other stylists, photographers, catering geniuses that make each wedding so personal and truly stunning. The creativity and style within the boutique wedding space is amazing and they are all such wonderful people. And Parisians who are so stylish even if they are only popping out for milk and bread.

Favourite Cocktail?
If it’s the beginning of the night, French champagne. If it’s close to the end of the night, an Espresso Martini, so that it’s not almost the end of the night anymore.
 
What does it take to impress you?
People who are true to themselves and forge their path by doing what they love to do, not what they think they should.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Happiness is up to you.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
A slow breakfast at a small café, coffee and baked eggs reading both Sunday papers cover to cover, a drive through the countryside listening to jazz, discovering unexpected treasures at flea markets or small country towns, followed by a big Sunday roast and red wine with friends.

Black Tie or Casual?
Black Tie always

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’.
I wish I had one.  ‘Hen’s party’ just conjures up terrible images of stretch Hummers, sparkly pink veils, sambuca shots and bad strippers.  I love that ladies are now hosting a High Tea for Bridal Showers and Kitchen Teas, it is such an elegant way to celebrate.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
French Champagne.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My antique emerald and diamond engagement ring from a small antique store in Paris. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

Three words that describe you best.
Champagne and red lipstick.

Getting to Know... Chelsea Parsons Photography

Chelsea Parsons Photography | Hobart, TAS | Website | Blog

What’s your favourite part of your job?
The time with JUST the couple is my ultimate favourite part of the day.  I love being able to capture that connection between them, makes me all happy inside.

What are you reading at the moment?
A stack of old Frankie magazines!

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A holiday to Italy with no kids!

Top three songs on your play list? 
“Heart Translation” by Art of Fighting, 
“Such Great Heights” by Iron and Wine,
“Moon Pulls” by Mum

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Time frame wise… I do love the vows and I mostly always get a  tear… But I love when the light hits someone in the perfect spot and I jump up and down inside cause I know it going to be a goodun!

Who inspires you? 
Jonas Peterson, Clayton Austin, Red Leaf Studio and so many more amazing people…

Favourite Cocktail?
I don’t really drink them, but I do like green smoothies!

What does it take to impress you? 
A night out where I don’t have to organise anything!

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Love what you love…

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Sleeping in, going to a park or the beach with my husband and 4 girls and the dog.

Black Tie or Casual?
Kinda inbetween… dress and boots

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’ 
… erk, I don’t know!  They get up to some crazy stuff!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Candles… I love to get and to give…

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Recently…. My best friend just moved to London and gave me the yummiest old green velvet jacket.  I treasure it…

Three words that describe you best. 
Arty. Runner. Mumma.

Thanks so much for sharing with us Chelsea! It's so wonderful to get to know you a little better!

Getting To Know… SugarLove Weddings & White Designs

SugarLove Pictures and White Designs | Woollahra, Sydney, NSW | SugarLove Website | White Designs Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Working in our gorgeous showroom with a great team and hearing our clients say they have always dreamed of hiring us to cover their day. And of course giving them incredible memories after the wedding day to last forever – nothing beats that feeling after all the planning and hard work has been done to realise that you were the 2nd most important decision they made (after choosing each other of course!)

What are you reading at the moment?
I have about 5 books on the boil usually. At the moment lets see on the bedside there is; Tender is the Night (F Scott Fitzgerald), The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen & Buddhism for Mothers. Not far away is “An Affair with a House” and most of the current issues of Real Living, Inside out, Belle and Highlife. I am not a big fashion magazine fan! You tend to find mountains of interior design books or “how to” parenting guides around my desk & bookshelf on most days along with a big inspiration folder on our new renovation project.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Counting down the weeks until our beautiful tropical getaway for my 10year wedding anniversary, lots of furniture and  fixtures for our new tree change escape, silver caviar ring by Andrea Corson and more time to snuggle up with our little boys and read some good stories. 

Top three songs on your play list?
Piano Sonata 11 (Mozart),
If I Ever Feel Better (Phoenix) and
Twinkle Twinkle (my 4year has hijacked my iphone favourites list)

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The I-Do kiss and the moments we capture when a couple are not aware of the camera.

Who inspires you?
My darling children and my husband (Bradley Patrick) who inspires me more than anyone to make both of our dreams come true each day. (Samples of his work appear on SugarLove Weddings & his newly updated commercial site will launch in Winter 2011)

I also love reading daily posts by A Cup Of Jo, Vicki Archer  Anna Spiro And my daily wedding fix comprises Once Wed,  Style Me Pretty and Polka Dot Bride

Favourite Cocktail?
Old fashioned girl – Baileys & Milk

What does it take to impress you?
A lot – passion, dedication, positivity, persistence, a great smile, confidence and great style.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
It is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Sleeping in (won't happen for a few years yet), hubby’s home cooked brekkie with the boys, a relaxing read of the Sunday papers, something sweet, great coffee, laughter and trips around the coast with the family.
 
Black Tie or Casual?
Casual

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party"?
– Ladies Luxury Pamper Day
 
Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Nice bottle of red wine or some interesting in season blooms.
 
What’s the best gift you have ever received?
The gorgeous wooden sleigh bed and Brett Whitely lithograph from the room we stayed in on our wedding night from my husband of course!!

Three words that describe you best. 
Focused, Passionate, Loving

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Leigh. It has been so lovely to get to know you a little more!

Getting to Know... A Lavish Affair

A Lavish Affair | Melbourne VIC | Website | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Gosh! There are so many, I would have to say I get a buzz from the challenge... some couples come to us and have lost all hope that they can achieve their vision, although we get some tall orders we always come up with the answers and it’s a great feeling!

What are you reading at the moment?
I’m a big reader across all forums, ‘magwise’ I am currently scouring over the latest issue of Vogue, Harpers and Martha Stewart Weddings.  ‘Bookwise’ I am reading the works of Dante and Marketing Sundae.

What are you lusting after at the moment?

Am a confessed shopaholic, I love all things fashion - accessories, shoes, handbags...you name it! My most recent purchase a Badgley Mischka tote and adorable Louis Vuitton navy flats (yum!)

Top three songs on your play list?
I love a broad range of music, jazz, French classics, Top 40, R’n’B, 80’s, 60’s I couldn’t choose just three songs!!!!

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Again so many, my favourite would have to be the moment the groom lays eyes on his bride as she presents and makes her walk down the aisle.  It has me smiling from ear to ear.

Who inspires you?
My mum, she was always a happy, positive person, a real go-getter! She passed a few years ago at the young age of 47 with breast cancer. I strive to succeed in all I do as I know she would be proud and I would be fulfilling some of her dreams that she had for me.

Favourite Cocktail?
Can you have just one? Mojito....

What does it take to impress you?
If you are genuine, humble and have integrity, I am sold!

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Be yourself, do the right thing by others and trust your gut instinct!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Blanket, couch, hubby, black and white movie marathon = Bliss!

Black Tie or Casual?
Black Tie, it has to be elegantly Lavish!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Along with a swish bottle of wine or bubbly I love Dinner Conversation Starters, Kikki K have a cute little box with conversation cards to share over dinner, you could be creative and make your own!

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A cake made with love for my birthday, these days it becomes so easy to buy a cake but I think it is much nicer to have one made from love!

Three words that describe you best.
Patient, Generous and Resourceful! I’m a great problem solver!

It was a pleasure to get to know you better today Marisa! Thanks so much!

Getting to Know... The White Orchid Floral Design

The White Orchid Floral Design | Adelaide SA | Website | Facebook


What’s your favourite part of your job?
I love creating the wedding flowers for the bride and seeing her reaction when I personally deliver them on her wedding day, it gives me goose bumps every time!


What are you reading at the moment?
All the new wedding flower magazines that are hitting the stands for Spring/Summer, love seeing the new trends coming through.


What are you lusting after at the moment?
The change in season really inspires me so at the moment I am lusting over beautiful flowers in Spring tones, and starting to see a sneak peak at the flower markets. Yum!


Top three songs on your play list?
Lisa Mitchell “Clean White Love”, Angus & Julia Stone “Big Jet Plane”, Jack Johnson “Banana Pancakes.”


What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The exchanging of the vows, especially if they are personally written, they can be so beautiful.


Who inspires you?
In 2010 I travelled to New York to take part in a master class on Advanced Wiring Techniques for weddings. I studied at the Flower School New York, one on one alongside Master Florist Felipe Sastre and found this experience not only improved my skills but gave me new inspiration for wedding flower design.




 
Favourite Cocktail?
Cosmopolitan


What does it take to impress you?
Anyone who has followed their passion and created a successful business and living from it.


What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
To follow my dreams and find passion in life and I feel I have achieved that with my floral work.


Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
After usually finishing a wedding the day before, having a sleep in! Followed by late brunch of banana pancakes and reading the paper, heaven!


Black Tie or Casual?
Both! Whichever is fitting for the occasion.


Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’.
I have heard a new party is emerging called “The Sten” combining the Stag and Hens party, though I’m not sure how that would work?


Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Flowers of course!


What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A Tiffany silver cuff from my husband for my 30th Birthday when we were in NYC last year, I love it!

 
Three words that describe you best.
Creative, perfectionist, passionate.

Kyla thanks so much for sharing about yourself with us today! It was so great to get to know you a little better!

Getting to Know... Erin King Photographer

Erin King Photographer | Brunswick, Melbourne, VIC | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Meeting new people and getting to hear and share their stories.  I love being able to be myself and have creative freedom.

What are you reading at the moment?
I prefer to read blogs and magazines and keep in touch with what people are up to and get real life inspiration: http://greenweddingshoes.com/, http://www.jasminestarblog.com/

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Nancybird Handbags. I didn’t realise I had a handbag obsession until I found these! As well as more travel.

Top three songs on your play list?
It’s usually pop or rock, but when I’m not listening to Muse, I like to call these my power pop songs (great to work out to) includes the likes of Lady Gaga, and dare I say it…Flo-rider etc…I’m a real mixed bag when it come to music!

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the groom gets overcome with emotion and can’t hold back the tears.

Who inspires you?
Yervant, Jasmine Star, and always local photographers and business people I know, respect and admire.

Favourite Cocktail?
I had a Japanese plum wine one, which was divine! Can’t remember the name unfortunately.

What does it take to impress you?
Anyone who can make me laugh has my full attention.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Trust and believe in yourself, don’t become victim to your fears.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Sleep in then a lazy Sunday brunch with my partner followed by a relaxed outing with our little baby girl (aka Peanut the Chihuahua Bichon Cross)

Black Tie or Casual?
Casual, it’s not often you won’t find me wearing a pair of jeans and Chuck Taylors.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Something personal and fun
 
Three words that describe you best.
Bubbly, fun, always up for a laugh

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Erin! It was wonderful to get to know more about you!

Getting to Know... Dizzy Wizzy Design

Dizzy Wizzy Design | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
I love creating unique invitations that tell a story.

What are you reading at the moment?
Australian Style by Melissa Penfold and Jenny Tabakoff and bunch of interior magazines including Inside Out, Home Beautiful and Real Living

What are you lusting after at the moment?
We are building a new home so anything from www.carinasherlock.com.au.

Top three songs on your play list?
Dream about Changing, Sally Seltmann
Big Jet Plane, Angus and Julia Stone
Bloodbuzz Ohio, The National

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the bride and groom see each other for the first time.

Who inspires you?
Oh that is a tough one – there are too many people to list. I’m really inspired stylist Shauna Faust, interior designers, Sibella Court and Shannon Fricke, illustrators Katie Kirk and Jessica Hische. Goodness, I haven’t even got past the designers.

Favourite Cocktail?
Moscow Mule

What does it take to impress you?
People who give up their free time to volunteer.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
‘ If you fail to prepare be prepared to fail’

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Catching a few little waves with loved ones.

Black Tie or Casual?
Casual, for sure. I love the idea of dressing up but feel more like me in casual clothing.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
I can’t think of anything that wouldn’t be found offensive on some level.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Flowers. Closely followed by good wine or chocolate.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A thoughtful friend and an accomplished artist gave us a pastel drawing of our wedding location.

Three words that describe you best.
Casual, candid and playful.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Nat! It has been great to get to know more about you!

Getting to Know... Wedding List Co.

Wedding List Co | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Being surrounded by so many beautiful gifts and homewares every day. I come to work and get to sit on a Philippe Starck Ghost Chair, work off a beautiful Coco Republic desk and gaze at walls full of Missoni Home, Vera Wang for Wedgwood, iittala, David Edmonds and Jasper Conran to name just a few! Plus I get to meet so many gorgeous couples – the wedding excitement is contagious!

What are you reading at the moment?
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Where to start! We have just launched the new Missoni Home dinnerware collection – it’s divine! Ortigia scented candles and body range. Everything from Have you Met Miss Jones…..and the Matthew Williamson fringed snakeskin sequined shoulder bag!

Top three songs on your play list?
Lullaby – The Cure
Raspberry Beret – Prince
She Sells Sanctuary – The Cult

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
The moment when a groom turns and sees the bride walking down the aisle..… it brings me to tears every time.

Who inspires you?
My Mum!
Karl Lagerfeld – my favourite fashion icon
Natalie Massenet – founder of Net-a-Porter
Phoebe Philo - she’s transformed Celine
Garance Dore - www.garancedore.fr
The Selby - http://www.theselby.com/

Favourite Cocktail?
Lychee Martini

What does it take to impress you?
Both personally and professionally – someone who’s passionate about what they do and who uses their initiative. I’m of the belief that a misguided attempt at something where you give 100% is better than no attempt at all.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
You never know until you try – so many good ideas never see the light of day because people are too scared to try (I should actually take this advice myself!) 

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
With family and friends. Sunday is all about spending time with the ones you love. I’m also a market obsessive so I’m never happier than when I’m rustling through vintage treasures at Bondi Market followed by a swim at the beach in Summer.

Black Tie or Casual?
Black tie every time – I love to dress up.
 
Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hen's Party’
Anyone who knows me well will know that I have a dislike of the traditional “Hen's Party”. I’m all for a gorgeous long lazy lunch and afternoon cocktails with the girls so I guess “Sunshine & Champagne”!!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
A Have You Met Miss Jones mini bird bowl and a great bottle of Champagne.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
I was recently given an old fashioned Scwhinn bike – I’m obsessed! I haven’t actually made it out the door yet but I have visions of myself coasting along looking uber chic Parisian style (whilst wearing a helmet!)

Three words that describe you best.
Excitable, inquisitive and impatient

Thanks so much to Alicia, Wedding List Co.'s National Marketing Director for letting us get to know her a little better today!

Getting to Know... White Room Events

White Room Events | Adelaide SA | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Getting to know the brides, grooms and their families, and being able to use my creativity while making memories for them on one of the most important days in people lives, I love what I do!

What are you reading at the moment?
Not Dead & Not for Sale, A Memoir – by Scott Weiland lead singer of the Stone Temple Pilots, if I’m not reading this or mags, you’ll find me reading Hairy Maclary 

What are you lusting after at the moment?
I am about to start living life as a farm gal, so I am coveting after some baby goats.

Top three songs on your play list?
I love all music, all of it. Top 3 too hard to choose.. But these are in my top 10 :)
Leonard Cohen – Suzanne
The Doors – Love Street
Led Zeppelin - Misty Mountain Hop

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
If I’m lucky enough to be with the bride as she is about to walk down the aisle, my favourite moment is just before she starts her walk, there is something so sacred about it.

Who inspires you?
I am inspired by kindness and selflessness in people, in ‘real life’ my beautiful friends, I'm in constant awe of my husband and children. Creatively my daily motivators are The Flash Dance and  Joy Thigpen and as a Mother Amanda Soule and Kelly Hampton I could go on and on, I have a major list of daily reads from all sorts of different people.

Favourite Cocktail?
I'm a Wild Turkey drinker, love that American Honey. However, if I had to pick a cocktail it would be something involving fresh mint.

What does it take to impress you?
Work ethic, genuineness, people who don’t try to hard and I love a rebel… especially of the wedding industry variety.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Live in the Sunshine!
I’m a huge believer in surrounding myself with positive people and energy. It’s a fool proof way to happiness and contentment.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Breakfast with my husband and 3 boys, a trip to the newsagency for some reading material, a drive into the Adelaide Hills, a nice long lunch and home cooked dinner in front of the telly.

Black Tie or Casual?
I like both, I’m more a frock girl, I don’t even own a pair of pants apart from jeans.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
No idea, can we just do away with ‘hens party’s’ all together, no good comes from people drinking through willy straws.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Plants. I gave curry plants for a curry night, was a hit!

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
I have no idea what the best gift would be, I live a very blessed life but I love handmade gifts, paintings and drawings from my children warm my soul.

Three words that describe you best.
Authentic, Devoted, Blessed, Earthy, Mama (that wasn’t three was it)

Thanks so much for allow us to get to know you a little better today Emily!

Getting to Know... Letter Bird Lane

Portobello Bride Directory Member: Stationery
Letter Bird Lane | Leura, Blue Mountains, NSW | Website

What’s your favourite part of your job? 
Loving what I do. Being creative and having happy customers!

What are you reading at the moment?
The Outsider – Albert Camus

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A trip to NY

Top three songs on your play list? 
So hard to pick only three! 
Half Light II {No Celebration}- Arcade Fire;  
You’re Going Back – The Tallest Man On Earth; 
Truth – Alexander Ebert

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the bride and groom kiss! Who doesn’t get a little tear in their eye!?

Who inspires you? 
Amanda Blake Soule. A mother to {almost} 5 kids and yet she manages to find time to be so creative, write books, do amazing things with her children and post lovely photos to her blog.

Favourite Cocktail?
Vodka, cranberry and grapefruit cocktail

What does it take to impress you?
Kindness, determination, humour and quick wit.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Always be positive. Life has so much to offer.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
A lazy morning with my little family, seeing friends, and a walk if the weather is nice.

Black Tie or Casual?
Somewhere in the middle

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’?
A Frivolous Soiree

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
A really beautiful book or a framed print.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My two sons and my engagement ring!

Three words that describe you best.
Dedicated, thoughtful and happy.

Thanks so much for sharing with us Eliza. It has been lovely to get to know you better!

Getting to Know... Smash Photography

Portobello Bride Member: Photography
Smash Photography | Elsternwick VIC | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Bren: Every wedding is unique. We never do the same thing twice.
Rom: When something unplanned, goes right.
We recently shot a wedding where every part was scripted and arranged by the bride, we had a shot list that included which photograph to take under which tree at an exact time. It was all outdoors and the heavens opened up and all the plans went to pieces. Everyone expected the bride to be devastated but instead, she shrugged her shoulders and laughed the whole day, the photographs were absolutely priceless and so were their memories.

What are you reading at the moment?
Rom: Life - by Keith Richards
Bren: You've got that book? I was going to buy it. Can I get it from you when you're done?
Rom: Yeah, everybody thought he'd forget everything during his hey day, but, he remembered it all.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Bren: You usually lust after the thing you can't have, and if you were to get it, the initial desire fades quickly. That's the difference between lust and love, isn't it?

Top three songs on your play list?
Rom: We tend to listen to albums rather than liking individual songs that flood the market and this list changes daily!
1. Radiohead - The King of Limbs
2. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Its a Blitz
3. PJ Harvey - Let England Shake

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Rom: When the Bride's mother winks at me
Bren: When the groom winks at me!

Who inspires you?
Bren: Anyone who can succeed over impossible odds.
Rom: People who do whatever they do and do it well. Whether you are a rocket scientist, stamp collector or a garbage collector. "That's the 'best' damn garbage collection I've ever done!  Look at this street, it's immaculate".

Favourite Cocktail?
Rom: Grand Gold Margherita!
Bren: Yeah, the way they make them at Amigo's in Carlton.

What does it take to impress you?
Rom: A beautiful photograph
Bren: An impressive person who makes no effort to be impressive.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Bren: Don't give up your day job. My day job was photography.
Rom: Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Rom: Running in slow motion on a beach, especially when it's raining...cause no-one can see you cry.
Bren: Breakfast at Loco's in Elsternwick, and on a summer evening, a Grand Gold Margherita followed by a walk along the beach to see who's playing at the Espy .

Black Tie or Casual?
Bren: I'm never invited to events that require a black tie.
Rom: When we were photographing a wedding in India, we were asked to wear a traditional Kurtha. Awkward to photograph in but we did look pretty sharp!

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Bren: My wife tells me a hens party is when they all sit around drinking herbal tea for the night.
Rom: Yes but when she told you that, all her friends started giggling and winking at each other.
Bren: And she always comes home from those things with her clothes all disheveled and a really bad headache.
Rom: Sounds like she comes home drunk.
Bren: From herbal tea? Yeah, right!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Bren: I don't even know what that means.
Rom: They mean like on a plane, dont you give your air hostess a gift. I do.
Bren: I guess that's why I never get bumped up to first class.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
Bren: The gift of humility. And good looks.
Rom:  The 10 dollar wedding ring my wife bought me on our way to get married in Las Vegas.

Three words that describe you best.
Bren: Rom and I would have the same answer on this I think:
Driven
Dedicated
Perfectionist
We're quite similar in many ways. We've known each other so long we often finish each others...
Rom: Sandwiches!

Thanks Bren and Rom for the entertaining look into your lives!
Smash Photography is a Member of the Portobello Bride Wedding Directory.

Getting to Know... CL Weddings and Events

Portobello Bride Directory Member: Wedding Coordinator
CL Weddings and Events | Noosa Heads QLD | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Hearing the love stories and personalities of our couples then using this to create a truly personal and intimate wedding day.

What are you reading at the moment?
I’d love to say that I’m engrossed in a wonderful novel but sadly in this industry there just isn’t time. My head is often buried in the latest wedding and home decorator magazines.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Restored and re-loved furnishings to add colour and personality to a wedding style.

Top three songs on your play list?
Valerie – Amy Winehouse
If I Aint Got you – Alicia Keys
Jet Plane – Angus and Julia Stone


What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
All of it, from the rushed madness of set up to seeing the look on the groom's face when he first spies his bride, the first dance and the pack down at the end of the night.

Who inspires you?
Elizabeth Messina – for her always graceful photography.
My girlfriends, who always manage to juggle motherhood, extremely demanding careers, time for their friends and most of all a wonderful attitude towards life.

Favourite Cocktail?
Passionfruit Caiprioska

What does it take to impress you?
Attention to detail, 110% effort and simple things like good manners.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Take it step by step. You don’t always have to have everything you dream of all at once. Grow your business and don’t rush!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
With my family, in the sunshine, enjoying great food, music and wine.

Black Tie or Casual?
There is always a place for both!

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Hats and Hens – a day filled with French champagne, English tarts and Millinery

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Hand baked goods to have with tea when they arrive home from the event

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
The ongoing friendships I have with past clients.

Three words that describe you best.
Observant, thorough, nurturing

Thanks so much for sharing with us about yourself Carly. It was lovely to get to know you more!

Getting to Know... Imbue Weddings

Portobello Bride Member: Floral & Event Styling
Imbue Weddings | Brisbane QLD | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Flowers.  I love the endless new combinations you can create with all the beautiful varieties there are. 

What are you reading at the moment?
Jane Eyre... again!

What are you lusting after at the moment?
A digital SLR camera

Top three songs on your play list?
Brooke Taylor's “Sailing",
Angus and Julia Stone's “Yellow Brick Road” 
and Ella Fitzgerald’s “At last”.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Just after the ceremony when friends and family are congratulating the newlyweds because there is always lots of smiles and laughter.

Who inspires you?
JL designs, Holly Chapple, Lisa Vorce, Beth Helmstetter, and Rouba Alamein.

Favourite Cocktail?
Margarita

What does it take to impress you?
Honesty

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Don’t let fear stop you from doing something amazing!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
At home pottering around the garden

Black Tie or Casual?
An elegant combination of both

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
If it isn’t broken don’t fix it, I like the term “hens party”!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Hamper of gourmet cheeses and savoury marmalades.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A hot air balloon ride.

Three words that describe you best.
Optimistic, loyal and creative.

Thanks for sharing with us today Kristy! It was lovely to learn more about you!

Imbue Weddings is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.

Getting to Know... Gwendolynne

Portobello Bride Member: Bridal Gowns
Gwendolynne | Fitzroy VIC | Website

What’s your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is when we work at creating new beading designs.  Beading is such a huge component of my collections. I also love to do photo shoots. 

What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading “Creativity” by Osho.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
I am lusting after going to a yoga retreat on an island someplace tropical. With massage every day, a good-looking pool boy fanning me with a palm leaf and feeding me pealed grapes whilst I lay in a hammock.

Top three songs on your play list?
Sigur Ross
Air
Spandau Ballet
I can’t name my favourite songs as I like all their work.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the groom sees the bride for the first time. This is so cute.

Who inspires you?
An inner child.

Favourite Cocktail?
Espresso Martini... they get me going!

What does it take to impress you?
A good sense of humour.  And kindness.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Not to take everything personally.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
A stroll around the Camberwell Market and then wine in a cafe with friends.

Black Tie or Casual?
Both

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’?
“Chicks on the run”

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
Diamonds

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
A ticket to Italy.

Three words that describe you best.
People have described me as “fairy-like”.
I have also been called “oldy-worldy” however I am much more casual than I seem.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Gwendolynne. It has been lovely to get to know you better!
Gwendolynne is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.

Getting to Know... Caspix

Portobello Bride Member: Photographer
Caspix | Sydney NSW | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
The opportunity to create something extraordinary out of the ordinary every time I pick up the camera.

What are you reading at the moment?

Emails! And more emails – although for fun I am reading old school Vogue magazines for some inspiration.

What are you lusting after at the moment?

Old train station wall clocks and 1950s furniture.

Top three songs on your play list?

Impossible to list as I am so fickle with my music… but I play music 24/7, can’t live without it.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
When the bride and groom have their first moments alone after getting married and no one from the bridal party is around – usually their portraits together.

Who inspires you? 
My husband inspires me always – and I must say that Pinterest inspires the visual me at the moment.

Favourite Cocktail

I am a wine girl.

What does it take to impress you?

True originality and someone that is comfortably not following the pack, just being themselves.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
You can’t love another, until you love yourself.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Not editing at the computer - Just spending time with my tribe at home.

Black Tie or Casual?
Casual all the way.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
hmm didn’t know they were looking for one?

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
A photograph from the night that we just had.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
The gift of love from my husband – corny but totally true.

Three words that describe you best.
Erghh this is hard without sounding silly –first 3 things that pop up are independent, inquisitive and impulsive!

Thanks for sharing with us today Casandra!
Caspix is a Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide Member.

Getting to Know... Kristi Bonnici Bridal Accessories

Portobello Bride Member: Veils and Headpieces, Shoes and Accessories
Kristi Bonnici Bridal Accessories | Redfern NSW | Website | Facebook |

What’s your favourite part of your job?
I would have to say the day we shoot the collection every each season. It is such a crazy and fabulous day, often starting very early with so much great energy buzzing around and anticipation about the final product.

I am a designer that absolutely loves to collaborate with others, so working with other talented creatives, from photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists and models to realise my vision for the season is just such a lovely treat after months of working away, often on your own.

What are you reading at the moment?
The latest offering by Isabel Allende, “Island Beneath the Sea”
She has been my favourite author of fiction since I was 18 and inspired a trip to South America when I was 19. I have read all her books.

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Some beautiful  Italian ceramics for our home and some gorgeous new pieces for Winter from Aussie designers, Scanlan & Theodore, Camilla & Marc and Gorman… alas there are too many to mention them all!

Top three songs on your play list?
“Hanging on Too Long” by Duffy, 
“Izzo” by Jay Z and
“Baby Carni Bird” by Camille.

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
It would have to be when the bride has just arrived and is readying herself to walk down the aisle to her man. I love the interchange between her and her father and her bridesmaids, such intimate, precious moments that can never be repeated.

Who inspires you?
For me it’s not so much “who” but “what”.
I find inspiration from so many things, books, art, ceramics, illustration, photography, light, texture or travel.  But the one element that never ceases to inspire me is nature.

Favourite Cocktail?
Much to the dismay of many of my dearest friends, I am not so much a cocktail drinker, I prefer a good old “vodka, dry and lime”. More “Old man” than “young lady” but I guess you can’t argue with your taste buds!

What does it take to impress you?
Consideration and thoughtfulness… whether it be in life or in design.

 What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
“It is as it is”... who would have thought five, 2 letter words could say so much!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday? 
Getting to spend the day with my beautiful, workaholic husband and our two kooky cats, usually just pottering around, doing whatever we feel like at the moment. For me that usually involves lots of cups of tea, cake or chocolate and a nice long walk either by the sea or in the park.

Black Tie or Casual?
Definitely casual, but I do like to dress up when the moment calls for it!

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
Gosh, sorry, I really tried, but I have nothing.. Hen’s it will have to stay…

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
I really like to give gifts that people can enjoy every day in their home, that they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves like scented candles or flowers.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
I have been lucky enough to receive so many thoughtful, beautiful gifts over the years, but I would have to say it would be a toss up between my two beautiful cats and my engagement ring.  What the ring represented and the marriage it turned into and then our “furry” kids all bring lots of love into my life and created our funny little family.

Three words that describe you best.
Chatty, Earthy and a “stickler” for detail.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Kristi!
Kristi Bonnici Bridal Accessories is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.

Getting to Know... white+white

Portobello Bride Member: Wedding Coordinator
white+white | Brisbane, QLD | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
Seeing the Bride and Groom’s faces as they enter the reception. After months of planning it is very rewarding to see the couple’s wedding vision and all our hard work come to fruition.

What are you reading at the moment?
A Woman in Berlin, Anonymous. 

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Some more Foxton Danger Kaftans. So pretty and comfy too.

Top three songs on your play list?
Bang Bang Bang (Mark Ronson), 
So Frenchy So Chic Album and 
Crash into Me (Dave Mathews Band).

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
Seeing the Bride arrive. She always has this amazing glow. Such a happy moment!

Who inspires you?
Portobello Bride of course! Antique stores, Vogue Living, The Wedding Style Guide and all the amazing wedding vendors I work with.

Favourite Cocktail?
Lychee Martini

What does it take to impress you?
High level of professionalism, passion, new and innovative ideas, respect and sophistication.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Follow your dreams!

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Morning ride followed by a yummy breakfast at South Bank then an afternoon nap.

Black Tie or Casual?
Hard question. I would have to say Black Tie. It is nice to get dressed up in a long frock from time to time.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’.
Ladies' Soiree.

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
A lovely bottle of perfume.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
I received a beautiful bottle of perfume (my fave!) and a gorgeous photo frame from a past Bride. So unexpected and thoughtful.

Three words that describe you best.
Organised, Wedding-obsessed, Busy

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Danielle!
 white+white is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.

Getting to Know... Sinikka Floral

Portobello Bride Member: Flowers
Sinikka Floral Design | Website | Blog | Facebook

What’s your favourite part of your job?
When something comes back into season that you haven’t seen in awhile... such as peonies roses in late Spring.

What are you reading at the moment?
Rereading ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ Louis de Bernieres

What are you lusting after at the moment?
Jonathan Adler Sprout vases

Top three songs on your play list?
Arcade Fire – We used to wait
Camera Obscura – Country Mile
Leeden – Daddy Long Legs

What is your favourite moment during a wedding?
I love a good speech at a wedding... heartfelt, funny stories... even the cringe-worthy ones by an awkward best man!

Who inspires you?
Melanie of Cecilia Fox Floral Studio, she is an inspiration and has been a wonderful mentor.

Favourite Cocktail?
I love a mojito on a summer evening.

What does it take to impress you?
It’s the attention to little details, when thought has been put into something ordinary to make it out of the ordinary.

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Nothing will work unless you do.

Favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Late morning in bed, reading Martha Stewart on my ipad, with a constant supply of hot tea and toast. (the reality is, 6am wake up with our baby girl squealing and smiling and pulling my hair!)

Black Tie or Casual?
I’m a casual lass most of the time, but always love an excuse to frock up and wear a pair of heels.

Your suggestion for a new name for ‘Hens party’
hmmm...all my ideas seem to incorporate a rooster!

Your favourite hostess gift to give?
I love giving my friends and family flowers that they haven’t seen before. Celosia is always a fun one to give because of its texture and shape.

What’s the best gift you have ever received?
My husband took me to a Japanese Mountain Retreat in Montrose for our first year anniversary, because I am obsessed with the film ‘Lost in Translation’ and wanted to wear slippers sitting on the edge of a bed like Bill Murray.

Three words that describe you best.
Thankful, Motivated, Content.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Sarah!
Sinikka Floral Design is a member of the Portobello Bride Boutique Wedding Guide.